The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (The MAX) is a world-class facility that highlights Mississippi artists and celebrates the contributions of arts and entertainment visionaries across all art forms. The MAX includes cutting-edge digital interactives and videos throughout the 50,000+ square foot facility, a recording studio, and a professional staff who work on PCs and MACs. Various hardware devices, screen types, and output formats are used throughout the museum.

The Technical Director oversees technology in the facility, ensuring optimal user experience for museum patrons, managing ongoing vendor contracts and exhibit upgrades, and ensuring all IT/AV is functioning properly to support staff and guest experience. In addition to overseeing the management and operations of all technical components in the museum, the Technical Director is responsible for all administrative IT and communications equipment, including telephone and conference systems.  The Technical Director is responsible for needed maintenance and planning for future equipment and exhibit upgrades to enhance the museum experience and support the staff.

Essential Functions

• Maintain all IT systems supporting administration and communications, perform general IT maintenance and training, ensuring all upgrades for both MAC and PC/Windows users and MAC workstation in recording studio; maintain all servers with necessary updates and security
• Familiarize with exhibits and quickly troubleshoot problems as they occur
• Lead research on potential technology solutions and implementations in support of new museum initiatives, opportunities, and procurement efforts; develop and implement all IT policies/procedures to include architecture, security, disaster recovery, standards, purchasing, and service provision; oversee negotiation and administration of vendor, outsourcer/consultant contracts and service agreements
• Coordinate and oversee bids for IT hardware, software purchases and future upgrades; authorize and oversee the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, development, and support of all hardware/software as needed; develop business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for IT spending and initiatives; manage outside resources and contracts for optimal cost-effectiveness
• Oversee the operation of all exhibit technology and public digital displays; determine implications and manage plans for exhibit or equipment upgrades; inventory and track replacement hardware for exhibits
• Tag and manage all inventory items, ensure proper documentation of existing and new equipment or software with necessary troubleshooting instructions, training staff as needed
• Maintain the operation and functionality of the internal Cisco Meraki network (wireless, switches, firewall)
• Provide for AV equipment setup and operation at special events held at the facility (this may include cost-effective use of outside contract resources)
• Must be willing and able to work nights and weekends with on-call availability twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications 

• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Information Systems, Computer Science or Business Administration with technology or related field as a core.
• At least five to ten (5-10) years of experience managing and directing complex information technology operations; museum experience is a plus but not required
• Experience managing vendor relations, strong organizational skills, and strong written and verbal communication skills

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to be flexible and adapt, transitioning from one project to another as changing priorities require
• Ability to logically break down complex problems and troubleshoot in a methodical manner, including network level troubleshooting, equipment troubleshooting, basic application-level troubleshooting (restarting application, checking logs, etc.)
• Familiarity and experience working with (or ability to get up to speed quickly):
• Different operating systems including Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android 
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Virtualization (VMWare) for servers and Mac OS workstations
• Adobe Acrobat 
• Cisco Meraki Network switches and Access Points
• SQL Server
• Avigilon Video Security 
• Badgepass Access Control
• Networked Audio and Video Protocols (AVOIP)
• CSpire Internet and Phone Services 
• Nonprofit POS Systems and data security 
• Crestron and Extron audio and video systems 
• PCI DSS compliance 
• Electrical/mechanical diagnosis experience
• Familiarity with electrical diagrams, as-built plans, construction plan
• Familiarity with hand tools and equipment
• Familiarity with basic construction and fabrication
• Ability to look up and install replacement parts, power supplies, etc. and communicate this to the board, purchasing dept., etc. (includes finding the specific part numbers, SKU'S, and ensuring that if the exact part is not available, a suitable replacement is found)
• Basic understanding of systems that use ethernet cabling for sending HDMI signals and content to their prospective source
• Some basic programing skills are a plus
• Direct museum industry experience a plus, with the ability to communicate effectively with design and fabrication vendors and software / hardware support (e.g., Gallagher & Associates, Explus, and Zeytech)

Interested candidates should stop by The MAX at 2155 Front Street in Meridian, Mississippi to obtain and complete an application or send a cover letter and résumé via email to penny@msarts.org or deliver to:

Penny Kemp
The MAX
2155 Front Street
Meridian, MS 39301

The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (The MAX) is a world-class facility that highlights Mississippi artists and celebrates the contributions of arts and entertainment visionaries across all art forms. The MAX includes a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for special event rentals and meetings.

The Events Rental Coordinator is responsible for the contracting, scheduling, and coordination of all facility rental events, e.g., parties, weddings, class reunions, corporate meetings, receptions, etc., and assisting with internal museum event planning, coordination, and implementation.  

Essential Functions

• Develop, coordinate, and execute The MAX events rental program
• Meet with meeting and special event prospects and customers, making recommendations on best use of space, quote pricing, prepare and execute contracts
• Manage income and expense budget for rentals
• Ensure caterers and vendors provide proper documentation for events and keep detailed records
• Process invoices in collaboration with the Finance department
• Coordinate event registrations to ensure accurate listings on MAX Calendars
• Manage arrangements for vendors, entertainers, caterers, and technical support; recruit, schedule, train and interact with volunteers as needed for event execution
• In collaboration with Marketing, actively promote and market The MAX as a museum and venue for events, weddings, receptions, corporate meetings, and other gatherings
• Schedule and lead tours of The MAX for potential clients and vendors
• Coordinate and direct staff and volunteers for specific event needs
• Oversee the regular care and upkeep of equipment used for rentals and internal events
• Direct and assist with the set-up, arrangement, and tear-down of chairs, tables, technical equipment and related items when necessary

Minimum Qualifications

• Associates degree plus a minimum of two years of related work experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to organize work effectively, to work well independently with minimal supervision, and work well with others, coordinating with team members and vendors as needed.
• Skill in overseeing performance by vendors and suppliers ensuring they uphold quality standards and follow The MAX policies and procedures
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with co-workers, museum patrons, customers, and the public at large
• Must maintain professional appearance and demeanor
• Experience with planning and coordinating social events
• Ability to work nights and weekends regularly as required

Interested candidates should stop by The MAX at 2155 Front Street in Meridian, Mississippi to obtain and complete an application or send a cover letter and résumé via email to aaron@msarts.org or deliver to:

Aaron Windham
The MAX
2155 Front Street
Meridian, MS 39301

The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) is seeking experienced, reliable, and task-oriented individuals to provide excellent customer service to patrons of The MAX.  The part-time Visitor Services Associates will be responsible for selling tickets and memberships at the Admissions Desk as well as selling merchandise in the Museum Store.

Essential Functions

• Provide a welcoming environment and excellent customer service to patrons.
• Sell tickets and memberships and other educational services.
• Process retail sales and complete cash register transactions.
• Use point of sale (POS) software to sell tickets and merchandise, look up inventory, and balance cash drawers at end of shift.
• Answer phones and questions in a knowledgeable and friendly manner.
• Respond in a friendly manner to visitor complaints and concerns.
• Assist Manager with monitoring merchandise inventory, ticketing, stocking shelves, and taking care of other supplies and equipment.
• Have ability to be trained for other related functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Two or more years of experience in retail or customer services/guest services
• Experience in cash handling and working with complex ticketing systems is highly desired.
• Ability to orient group tours and school tours and speak in front of large groups
• Responsibility, friendliness, proper grooming, and honesty in handling cash and credit transactions
• Availability to work a part-time, flexible schedule
• Ability to lift 30 pounds and stand for long periods of time

Interested candidates should stop by The MAX at 2155 Front Street in Meridian, Mississippi to obtain and complete an application or send a cover letter and résumé via email to careers@msarts.org or deliver to:

Human Resources
The MAX
2155 Front Street
Meridian, MS 39301

This combined position of security and maintenance requires a reliable individual who provides security and maintenance services for the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (The MAX).  This includes all MAX properties (buildings, grounds and security) in order to provide a safe, secure and clean environment.

Essential Functions

• Provide general maintenance of lighting, electrical, carpentry, and light plumbing
• Provide grounds maintenance (lawn, patio, trees, shrubs, flowers, etc.)
• Use basic hand tools for repair and installations and operation of fork lift, scissor lift and other major equipment
• Assist with setup/teardown of tables/chairs/equipment for special events
• Maintain maintenance equipment and supplies
• Must be available for flexible schedules after hours and weekends
• Serve as Security Guard as needed for assigned shifts, helping to preserve the safety of staff, visitors and The MAX
• Assist housekeepers with tasks as needed
• Greet, assist and interact with a variety of people, including employees, visitors, contractors, vendors, etc.
• Enforce rules and regulations in areas as needed; escort visitors when needed
• Respond to all alarms and other emergency situations; maintains records and makes reports as required

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma, GED or high school equivalency diploma
• One year of experience in a facility where customers, visitors or patients are served (museum’ hotel/motel, hospital)
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operational and maintenance instructions, blueprints, building schematics and procedure manuals
• Ability to write routine reports
• Friendliness, proper grooming, and honesty
• Must be able to lift 30 lbs. or more

Interested candidates should stop by The MAX at 2155 Front Street in Meridian, Mississippi to obtain and complete an application or send a cover letter and résumé via email to careers@msarts.org or deliver to:

Human Resources
The MAX
2155 Front Street
Meridian, MS 39301

The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) is seeking reliable individuals to provide housekeeping services.

Essential Functions

• Sweep, scrub, mop, and polish floors.
• Vacuum and shampoo carpets and rugs.
• Dust and polish furniture and fixtures.
• Empty and clean trash containers.
• Dispose of trash in a sanitary manner.
• Clean all public and staff restrooms.
• Maintain all cleaning equipment and supplies in a safe and sanitary working condition.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or high school equivalency diploma
• One year of experience in a facility where customers, visitors, or patients are served (museum, hotel/motel, hospital)
• Friendliness, proper grooming, and honesty
• Ability to lift 30 pounds.

Interested candidates should stop by The MAX at 2155 Front Street in Meridian, Mississippi to obtain and complete an application or send a cover letter and résumé via email to careers@msarts.org or deliver to:

Human Resources
The MAX
2155 Front Street
Meridian, MS 39301